Looking for some hip new music from the hottest college radio station in the Midwest? If so, you’ve come to the right place. With another Spotify playlist full of new additions, I thought it’d be appropriate to pick out five of the best songs KTRM added this past week. Strap yourselves in because we’ve got some killer tracks to get through!
5. “Stupid Girl” – Peach Kelli Pop
The dichotomy between Alli Hanlon’s sweet, delicate vocals and the crunchy guitar riffs is what lands this song in the top five. I love extreme contrasts like this, yet simultaneously hate them because it makes it hard for me to classify this under just one genre. Is it garage rock? Power pop? I don’t know. Whatever you want to call it, there’s no denying this is a bop.
4. “Dig a Hole” – Mav Karlo
Looking for some Canadian indie rock? If so, you’re in luck because Mav Karlo is Canadian, and “Dig a Hole” is most definitely indie. What starts as a folksy tune somehow transforms into a lush 80s synth-pop anthem, and I have to respect Karlo for making these two disparate styles work. I also have some serious respect for Karlo’s vocal performance. It’s this weird, hypnotic semi-croon that kind of reminds me of Tom Petty for whatever reason, and I cannot figure out why. All I can say is give this one a listen.
3. “Don’t Give Up On Me” – Emma Donovan, The Putbacks
Reggae Groove, baseball organ playing the keyboard bit from Billy Joel’s “Pressure,” discordant psychedelia. Is this what stoner rock is? Probably not, but that doesn’t stop this song from giving off a natural high. Donovan is a vocal powerhouse akin to Etta James, The Putbacks give this song some serious drive and the whole thing gets stuck in your head for days. More, please.
2. “Dandelions/Liminal” – Emmy the Great
The intro to this introspective tune reminds me of “Getting Better” by The Beatles, and let it be clear, that is a compliment. Besides this, you have lyrical imagery akin to the work of Frank Turner, Emmy’s soothing voice and a dreamy soundscape that will have you ensnared for days. By far the most tranquil tune on this list.
1. “Little Bit” – Karate Boogaloo, Danielle Ponder
Talk about a diverse sound. Between Boogaloo’s soulful vocal inflections, the jazzy guitar licks, the dreamy electric piano/organ overtones and the funky bass line, you have what is honestly the most unique sounding song on the playlist. And I haven’t even talked about the meticulous drum work! All I can say is go listen to this now. You won’t regret it.